Antioxidant ProtectionLavender essential oil is a natural antioxidant that works to prevent and reverse disease. A 2013 study published in Phytomedicine found that lavender oil increased the activity of the body’s most powerful antioxidants — concluding that lavender has antioxidant activity and helps to prevent or reverse oxidation stress.

Although more research is needed to understand the full capacity of lavender oil for the prevention or reversal of diabetes, the results of this study are promising and indicate the therapeutic potential of lavender. To use lavender oil for diabetes, apply it topically to your neck and chest, diffuse it at home or supplement with it for the health benefits.

Improves Mood and Reduces Stress

In recent years, lavender oil has been put on a pedestal for its unique ability to protect against neurological damage. Traditionally, lavender has been used to treat neurological issues like migraines, stress, anxiety and depression, so it’s exciting to see that the research is finally catching up to history.

In 2013, an evidence-based study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with 80 milligram capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Additionally, in the study there were no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using lavender oil.

Another study published in 2012 took 28 high-risk postpartum women and found that by diffusing lavender in their homes, they had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder after a four-week treatment plan of lavender aromatherapy.

Lavender oil has also been shown to improve PTSD symptoms. 80 milligrams of lavender oil per day helped decrease depression by 33 percent and dramatically decrease sleep disturbances, moodiness, and overall health status in 47 people suffering from PTSD.

To relieve stress and improve sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. You can also apply lavender oil topically behind your ears for the same benefits.